Method for performing similar operations using a tool

Abstract

The present invention relates to a method for performing similar operations using a tool, the operations belonging to the group comprising screwing, drilling and riveting, the method comprising at least: - a step of real-time measurement of at least one operating parameter of the tool during the performance of at least one prior operation; - a step of determining a threshold for evaluating the capacity of the tool to perform at least one subsequent operation until its conclusion, the threshold being determined according to the at least one operating parameter of the tool measured in the preceding step, the step of determining the threshold being implemented at the end of the prior operation; - a step of comparing, with the threshold, an operational limit datum of the tool; - a step of issuing a warning and / or tool stopping message, at the end of the comparison step, when the threshold is incompatible with the operational limit datum of the tool.

Description

[0001] DESCRIPTION

[0002] Title: Method for carrying out similar operations using a tool, said method comprising an evaluation of the capacity of said tool to carry out a new operation to completion

[0003] 1. Field of the invention

[0004] The field of the invention is that of methods for carrying out screwing, drilling or riveting operations and the tools used to carry out such operations.

[0005] More specifically, the invention relates to a technique for ensuring that an operation will be carried out to completion once it is initiated.

[0006] 2. Prior art

[0007] A tool can be used to successively carry out several operations, for example screwing, drilling or riveting.

[0008] Carrying out each operation requires the drawing of energy from the electrical or pneumatic network or from a battery supplying the tool.

[0009] The performance of each operation also induces losses which generate heating. This heating can be dissipated in whole or in part during breaks between two successive operations, sometimes with the help of a fan.

[0010] When the tool is powered by a battery, it stops when the battery is empty. The tool may also stop by design when its operating temperature reaches a predetermined limit threshold beyond which the temperature induces a risk of burns to the user and / or a risk of damage to the tool.

[0011] Unexpected tool shutdown occurs during the performance of an operation since it is the performance of operations that most affect the battery charge and cause the tool to heat up.

[0012] Stopping the tool during an operation can have troublesome consequences, such as the inability to complete the operation. In the case of a screwdriving operation, this may require dismantling the partially tightened assembly to tighten it again by carrying out a new screwdriving operation which will be completed.

[0013] In order to prevent an operation from being interrupted before its completion due to battery discharge or overheating bringing the tool to an operating temperature beyond its maximum operating temperature limit, it is known to set a relatively low pessimistic operating temperature threshold beyond which it is considered that it is not possible to guarantee that a new operation can be carried out to completion so that the operation of the tool is inhibited. It is also known to set a relatively high pessimistic battery charge level threshold below which it is considered that it is not possible to guarantee that a new operation can be carried out to completion so that the operation of the tool is inhibited.

[0014] Such an approach may, at least in some cases, prevent the unexpected interruption of an operation in progress before it reaches its completion. However, it may still happen that a limit threshold is exceeded during an operation, particularly if it turns out to be quite demanding, so that the operation of the tool is inhibited during the operation before its completion.

[0015] To avoid such untimely tool shutdowns during the performance of an operation, it may be tempting to make the thresholds even more pessimistic by further lowering the value of the operating temperature limit beyond which the tool is considered unable to complete a new operation or the minimum battery charge level below which the tool is considered unable to complete a new operation. However, such an approach leads to a reduction in the tool's autonomy, even though it is able to complete new, less demanding operations without exceeding a thermal limit or a battery charge level limit.

[0016] The tool's operating temperature and battery charge level can vary substantially during long operations. Conversely, if the limit thresholds are too pessimistic, they may be reached before these operations are completed.

[0017] The technique adopted by the prior art currently consists of making a compromise between these two cases, which is not optimal.

[0018] In another aspect, when the operations are screwing operations, their respective torque requirements as well as the stiffness of the assemblies can vary from one operation to another so that it is difficult, during the performance of an operation, to predict the temperature rise and the charge level that will be consumed during the performance of the following operation. This also complicates the setting of operating temperature and battery charge limit thresholds.

[0019] There is therefore a need to optimize the operation of tools in order to avoid starting an operation which may not be able to be completed, in particular because the battery charge level is too low at the time of its launch or because the operating temperature of the tool is too high before its launch.

[0020] It is also desirable to maximize the battery life of battery tools as well as the rate (number of operations performed during a given period), which cannot be addressed by a wider margin on the temperature and battery charge level thresholds. 3. Objectives of the invention

[0021] The invention aims in particular to provide an effective solution to at least some of these different problems.

[0022] In particular, according to at least one embodiment, an objective of the invention is to provide a technique which makes it possible to guarantee the perfect completion of an operation as soon as it is launched.

[0023] In particular, the invention aims, according to at least one embodiment, to provide such a technique which makes it possible to maximize the autonomy of battery-powered tools.

[0024] Another objective of the invention is, according to at least one embodiment, to provide such a technique which makes it possible to improve the rate, i.e. the productivity, of the tools.

[0025] Another objective of the invention is, according to at least one embodiment, to provide such a technique which is simple to implement and / or reliable and / or economical.

[0026] 4. Presentation of the invention

[0027] For this, the invention proposes a method of carrying out, by means of a tool, similar operations, said operations belonging to the group comprising screwing, drilling, riveting, said method comprising at least:

[0028] - a step of real-time measurement of at least one operating parameter of said tool during the performance of at least one previous operation;

[0029] - a step of determining a threshold for evaluating the capacity of said tool to complete at least one subsequent operation, said threshold being determined as a function of said at least one operating parameter of said tool measured in the previous step, said step of determining said threshold being implemented at the end of said previous operation;

[0030] - a step of comparing, with said threshold, a limit data item for the operation of said tool;

[0031] - a step of transmitting an alert message and / or inhibiting said tool, at the end of said comparison step, when said threshold is incompatible with said operating limit data of said tool.

[0032] Thus, according to this aspect, the invention consists of evaluating the behavior of a tool by monitoring the evolution of at least one operating parameter of the tool during the performance of at least one previous operation in order to define at least one limit threshold of at least one operating parameter of the tool which will make it possible to guarantee that at least one subsequent operation can be carried out to completion, and to inhibit the operation of the tool and / or emit an alert message if the limit threshold is reached so that a new operation cannot be launched when the tool is not able to carry it out to completion.

[0033] Implementing this technique not only ensures that a launched operation can be completed, but also allows for greater use of the tool's capabilities and thus increases its productivity, in a simple but nevertheless reliable manner.

[0034] According to a possible characteristic, said operating parameter is the operating temperature of said tool.

[0035] In this case, said method preferably comprises:

[0036] - a step of determining the rise in the temperature of said tool during the performance of said at least one prior operation;

[0037] - a step of determining in real time the current temperature of said tool;

[0038] - a step of determining the sum of said temperature rise and said temperature measured in real time, said threshold state equal to said sum;

[0039] - a step of comparing said threshold with a maximum admissible temperature of said tool constituting said operating limit data of said tool;

[0040] - a step of transmitting an alert message and / or inhibiting said tool, at the end of said comparison step, when said threshold is higher than the maximum admissible temperature of said tool.

[0041] According to a possible characteristic, said operating temperature of said tool is the temperature of a motor of said tool, of a battery of said tool or of control means of said tool.

[0042] According to a possible characteristic, said operating parameter is the percentage of charge remaining in a battery powering said tool.

[0043] In this case, said method comprises:

[0044] - a step of determining the percentage of charge of said battery consumed during the performance of said at least one previous operation;

[0045] - a step of determining in real time the percentage of charge remaining in said battery;

[0046] - a step of subtracting, from said percentage of remaining battery charge, said percentage of battery charge consumed during said previous operation, said threshold being equal to the result of said subtraction;

[0047] - a step of comparing said threshold with a predetermined minimum percentage of battery charge which must remain at the end of said subsequent operation, constituting said operating limit data of said tool;

[0048] - a step of transmitting an alert message and / or inhibiting said tool, at the end of said comparison, when said threshold is lower than said operating limit data of said tool.

[0049] The present invention also covers a computer program product containing lines of code instructions for carrying out a method according to any one of the variants set out above when executed.

[0050] The invention also covers a tool belonging to the group comprising screwdrivers, drills and riveters, allowing similar operations to be carried out, said tool comprising at least: - means for measuring in real time at least one operating parameter of said tool during the performance of at least one previous operation;

[0051] - means for determining a threshold for evaluating the capacity of said tool to complete at least one subsequent operation, said threshold being determined as a function of said at least one operating parameter of said tool, said determination of said threshold being implemented at the end of said previous operation;

[0052] - means of comparing, with said threshold, a limit data item for the operation of said tool;

[0053] - means for transmitting an alert message and / or inhibiting said tool, at the end of said comparison step, when said threshold is higher or lower than said operating limit data of said tool.

[0054] According to a possible characteristic, said operating parameter is the operating temperature of said tool.

[0055] According to a possible characteristic, said tool comprises:

[0056] - means for determining the rise in temperature of said tool during the performance of said at least one prior operation;

[0057] - means for determining in real time the current temperature of said tool;

[0058] - means for determining the sum of said temperature rise and said current temperature measured in real time, said threshold state equal to said sum;

[0059] - means for comparing said threshold with a maximum admissible temperature of said tool constituting said operating limit data of said tool;

[0060] - means for transmitting an alert message and / or inhibiting said tool when said threshold is higher than the maximum admissible temperature of said tool.

[0061] According to a possible characteristic, said operating temperature of said tool is the temperature of a motor of said tool, of a battery of said tool or of control means of said tool.

[0062] According to a possible characteristic, said operating parameter is the percentage of charge remaining in a battery powering said tool.

[0063] According to a possible characteristic, said tool comprises:

[0064] - means for determining the percentage of charge of said battery consumed during the performance of said at least one previous operation;

[0065] - means for determining in real time the percentage of charge remaining in said battery;

[0066] - means of subtracting, from said percentage of remaining battery charge, said percentage of battery charge consumed during said previous operation, said threshold being equal to the result of said subtraction;

[0067] - means for comparing said threshold with a predetermined minimum percentage of battery charge which must remain at the end of said subsequent operation, constituting said operating limit data of said tool;

[0068] - means for transmitting an alert message and / or inhibiting said tool, at the end of said comparison, when said threshold is lower than said operating limit data of said tool. 5. Description of the figures

[0069] Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will appear on reading the following description of particular embodiments, given as a simple illustrative and non-limiting example, and the appended drawings among which:

[0070] [Fig 1] Figure 1 generally illustrates an example of a method according to the invention;

[0071] [Fig 2] Figure 2 illustrates an example of a method according to the invention during which the temperature of the tool is taken into account;

[0072] [Fig 3] Figure 3 illustrates an example of a method according to the invention during which the percentage of charge of the tool battery is taken into account;

[0073] [Fig 4] Figure 4 generally illustrates an example of a tool according to the invention;

[0074] [Fig 5] Figure 5 illustrates an example of a tool according to the invention comprising means for measuring the temperature of the tool;

[0075] [Fig 6] Figure 6 illustrates an example of a tool according to the invention comprising means for measuring the percentage of charge of the battery;

[0076] [Fig 7], [Fig 8]: Figures 7 and 8 illustrate curves allowing a comparison of how the evolution over time of the behavior of a tool can be used to carry out a succession of operations according to the prior art and according to the invention;

[0077] [Fig 9] Figure 9 illustrates the hub of a wheel.

[0078] 6. Description of particular embodiments

[0079] 6.1. Procedure

[0080] 6.1.1. General principle

[0081] In general, the invention relates to a method of carrying out, by means of a tool, similar operations.

[0082] These operations belong to the group including screwing, drilling, riveting.

[0083] Similar operations are understood to mean identical operations carried out repetitively. In the context of screwing, for example, similar operations are screwing operations of the same type and carried out under the same conditions. This could, for example, be the screwing of each bolt 1 of a wheel 2 (see figure 9) or the screwing of each bolt of an engine cylinder head.

[0084] With reference to Figure 1, a method according to the invention comprises at least:

[0085] - a step 10 of real-time measurement of at least one operating parameter of the tool during the performance of at least one previous operation;

[0086] - a step 11 of determining a threshold for evaluating the capacity of the tool to complete at least one subsequent operation, the threshold being determined as a function of at least one operating parameter of the tool measured in the previous step 11, this step of determining the threshold being implemented at the end of said previous operation

[0087] - a step 12 of comparing the threshold with a tool operating limit data item - a step 13 of sending an alert and / or tool inhibition message, at the end of the comparison step 12, when the threshold is incompatible with the tool operating limit data item.

[0088] The operating parameter taken into consideration may be the operating temperature of the tool or the battery charge level when the tool is powered by a battery. This list is not exhaustive and other parameters may be taken into account. These two cases will now be described individually. However, they can be implemented in combination.

[0089] 6.1.2. Consideration of operating temperature

[0090] An example of a method according to the invention is presented in relation to Figure 2, in which the operating parameter taken into consideration is the temperature of the tool.

[0091] The method aims to carry out a plurality of successive identical operations.

[0092] The method comprises, at the start of each operation, a step 20 of triggering an operation. This step 20 may, for example, correspond to an operator pressing the trigger of the tool.

[0093] The method also includes a step (not shown) of measuring the temperature of the tool in real time. This may, for example, be the temperature of a tool motor, a tool battery or tool control means.

[0094] Continuous temperature measurement including between two successive operations

[0095] In this embodiment, the temperature of the tool is measured in real time continuously, including when the tool is stopped between the performance of two successive operations.

[0096] Immediately after step 20 of triggering an operation, a step 21 of recording the temperature of the tool is implemented.

[0097] The method continues with the implementation of a step 22 of carrying out the operation known as the “previous operation”.

[0098] At the end of this step 22 of carrying out the operation, the tool is stopped.

[0099] After stopping the previous operation, the process continues by implementing a new step 23 of recording the temperature of the tool.

[0100] The method then comprises a step 24 of determining the temperature rise of the tool during the performance of the previous operation which has just been completed. This step 24 consists of subtracting from the temperature of the tool at the end of the operation recorded in step 23 the temperature of the tool at the start of the operation recorded in step 21. This step makes it possible to determine the temperature rise generated by the performance of the previous operation which has just been completed, which makes it possible to predict the temperature rise which will be generated by the performance of the subsequent operation.

[0101] The method then implements a new step 25 of recording the current temperature of the tool and then a step 26 of determining the sum of the temperature rise determined in step 24 and the current temperature recorded in real time in step 25. This sum corresponds to the threshold for evaluating the tool's ability to complete at least one subsequent operation. Taking into account the current temperature of the tool makes it possible to take into account any cooling of the tool after the completion of the previous operation, in particular if it is kept stopped for a certain time after the completion of the previous operation, so as to enable its ability to complete a subsequent operation to be evaluated more precisely.

[0102] The method continues with the implementation of a step 27 of comparing the threshold with a maximum admissible temperature of the tool constituting a limit operating data of the tool.

[0103] The method then implements a step 28 of transmitting an alert message and / or inhibiting the tool, at the end of the comparison step T1, when the threshold, i.e. the sum of the temperature rise of the tool during the performance of the last operation and the current temperature of the tool, is greater than, i.e. incompatible with, the maximum permissible temperature of the tool. The alert message may indicate to the operator that he must allow his tool to cool before starting to perform a new operation. Inhibiting the tool blocks the operation of the tool, thus depriving the operator of the possibility of using the tool to perform a new operation. This inhibition will be maintained until the tool has recovered a temperature allowing it to perform at least one new operation.

[0104] If at the end of the comparison step 27, the threshold, i.e. the sum of the temperature rise of the tool during the performance of the last operation and the current temperature of the tool, is lower than, i.e. compatible with, the maximum admissible temperature of the tool, the tool is able to perform a new operation until its completion. Then a new step 20 of triggering a new operation can be implemented.

[0105] Temperature measurement interrupted between two consecutive operations

[0106] In the embodiment just described, the temperature of the tool is measured and recorded in real time including when the tool is stopped after performing a previous operation before performing a subsequent operation. This is also the case for determining the temperature rise of the tool, determining the sum of the temperature rise and the current temperature of the tool, comparing this sum with the maximum permissible temperature of the tool and issuing an alert message and / or inhibiting the tool.

[0107] This means that the tool continues to consume electrical current when it is stopped. This consumption is very low and therefore acceptable. However, to prevent the tool from consuming electrical current when stopped, the measurement and recording of the tool temperature as well as the calculation of the temperature rise of the tool during a previous operation can be implemented immediately after the tool stops following the completion of a previous operation.On the other hand, after determining the temperature rise of the tool while the tool is stationary, the measurement and recording of the current temperature of the tool as well as the determination of the sum of the temperature rise and the current temperature of the tool, the comparison of this sum with the maximum permissible temperature of the tool as well as the emission of a warning message and / or the inhibition of the tool can be stopped while the tool remains stationary before the triggering of the subsequent operation. In this case, these steps are implemented immediately after the triggering of a new operation by an operator actuating the trigger.The implementation of these steps requires a very short time of the order of a few milliseconds so that the alert message and / or the inhibition of the tool occur quickly after the start of the subsequent operation so that in the event of the tool being unable to complete it, the operation can be stopped almost immediately after being launched.

[0108] When an alert message is issued immediately after the initiation of a subsequent operation, it will preferably be much more visible and / or audible than when it is issued before the initiation of a subsequent operation to allow an operator to terminate it quickly if the tool is unable to complete it.

[0109] The step of determining the temperature rise may be carried out, rather than following a single step of carrying out an operation, following the carrying out of several successive operations. In this case, the temperature rise will be the average per operation of the temperature rise measured during the carrying out of several operations. The method will then comprise a step of counting in real time the number of operations carried out to then make it possible to determine the average of the temperature rise during an operation. In variants, it will be possible to take into consideration the minimum temperature rise recorded during the different operations or the maximum temperature rise recorded during the different operations or to carry out statistical processing based on the temperature rise measured over several operations. These variants are not exhaustive.

[0110] It would also be possible, in variants, to determine the temperature rise of the tool during the performance of a number x of operations in order to evaluate the capacity of the tool to subsequently perform until their completion a number x of new operations.

[0111] 6.1.3. Taking into account the battery charge level

[0112] An example of a method according to the invention is presented in relation to Figure 3, in which the operating parameter taken into consideration is the percentage, or level, of charge of the battery of the tool when the latter is powered by a battery.

[0113] In the illustrated embodiment, the method aims to carry out a plurality of successive identical operations. The method comprises, at the start of each operation, a step 30 of triggering an operation. This step 30 may, for example, correspond to the pressing of the trigger of the tool by an operator.

[0114] The method also includes a step (not shown) of measuring in real time the percentage of charge of the battery.

[0115] Continuous measurement of the battery charge percentage including between two successive operations

[0116] In this embodiment, the percentage of charge of the tool's battery is measured in real time continuously, including when the tool is stopped between the performance of two successive operations.

[0117] Immediately after step 30 of triggering an operation, a step 31 of recording the percentage of charge of the tool battery is implemented.

[0118] The method continues with the implementation of a step 32 of carrying out the operation called the “previous operation”.

[0119] At the end of this step 32 of carrying out the operation, the tool is stopped.

[0120] After stopping the previous operation, the method continues by implementing a new step 33 of recording the percentage of charge of the tool battery.

[0121] The method then comprises a step 34 of determining the percentage of charge of the tool's battery consumed during the performance of the previous operation which has just been completed. This step 34 consists of subtracting from the percentage of charge recorded at the start of the operation in step 31 the percentage of charge of the battery remaining at the end of the operation recorded in step 33. This step makes it possible to determine the percentage of battery charge consumed during the performance of the previous operation which has just been completed, which makes it possible to predict the percentage of battery charge which will be consumed by the performance of the subsequent operation.

[0122] The method then implements a step 35 of recording the percentage of charge remaining in the tool's battery.

[0123] The method comprises a step 36 of subtracting, from the remaining battery charge percentage, the battery charge percentage consumed during the previous operation. The threshold for evaluating the tool's ability to complete at least one subsequent operation is equal to the result of said subtraction.

[0124] The method continues by implementing a step 37 of comparing the threshold with a predetermined minimum percentage of battery charge that must remain at the end of the subsequent operation, constituting the tool's operating limit data. The method then implements a step 38 of transmitting an alert message and / or inhibiting the tool, at the end of the comparison step 37, when the threshold is lower than, i.e. incompatible with, the minimum charge percentage that must remain at the end of the subsequent operation. The alert message can indicate to the operator that he must recharge the battery of his tool before starting to carry out a new operation. Inhibiting the tool blocks the operation of the tool, thus depriving the operator of the possibility of using the tool to carry out a new operation.This inhibition will be maintained until the tool's battery charge percentage has recovered to a level allowing it to carry out at least one new operation.

[0125] If at the end of the comparison step 37, the threshold is greater than, i.e. compatible with, the minimum charge percentage that must remain at the end of the subsequent operation, the tool is able to carry out a new operation until its completion. Then a new step 30 of triggering a new operation can be implemented.

[0126] Measurement of the percentage of battery charge interrupted between two successive operations

[0127] In the embodiment just described, the percentage of charge of the tool battery is measured and recorded in real time including when the tool is stopped after performing a previous operation before performing a subsequent operation. This is also the case for determining the percentage of charge consumed during the performance of an operation, measuring and recording the percentage of charge remaining in the battery, determining the subtraction from the percentage of charge remaining of the percentage consumed during an operation, comparing the result of this subtraction with a remaining percentage of battery charge and issuing an alert message and / or inhibiting the tool.

[0128] This means that the tool continues to consume electrical current when it is stopped. This consumption is very low and therefore acceptable. However, to prevent the tool from consuming electrical current when stopped, the measurement and recording of the percentage of battery charge as well as the determination of the percentage of battery charge consumed during a previous operation can be implemented immediately after stopping the tool following the completion of a previous operation.On the other hand, after determining the percentage of charge consumed while the tool is stopped, the measurement and recording of the percentage of battery charge remaining as well as the determination of the subtraction of the percentage of charge remaining from the percentage of charge consumed during the previous operation, the comparison of the result of this subtraction with the percentage of battery charge remaining after the previous operation, as well as the emission of an alert message and / or the inhibition of the tool can be stopped while the tool remains stopped before the triggering of the subsequent operation. In this case, these steps are implemented immediately after the triggering of a new operation by an operator actuating the trigger.The implementation of these steps requires a very short time of the order of a few milliseconds so that the alert message and / or the inhibition of the tool occur quickly after the start of the subsequent operation so that in the event of the tool being unable to complete it, the operation can be stopped almost immediately after being launched. When an alert message is issued immediately after the triggering of a subsequent operation, it will preferably be much more visible and / or audible than when it is issued before the triggering of a subsequent operation to allow an operator to terminate it quickly if the tool is unable to complete it.

[0129] The step of determining the percentage of battery charge consumed may be carried out, rather than following a single step of carrying out an operation, following the carrying out of several successive operations. In this case, the percentage of battery charge consumed will be the average per operation of the percentage of charge consumed measured during the carrying out of several operations.

[0130] In variants, we can take into consideration the minimum battery percentage consumed during the different operations or the maximum battery percentage consumed during the different operations or perform statistical processing based on the battery percentage consumed over several operations. These variants are not exhaustive.

[0131] The method will then include a step of real-time counting of the number of operations carried out to then determine the average percentage of charge consumed during an operation.

[0132] It would also be possible, in variants, to determine the percentage of battery charge consumed during the performance of a number x of operations to evaluate the capacity of the tool to subsequently perform until their completion a number x of new operations.

[0133] 6.1.4. Combined consideration of several operating parameters

[0134] In a variant, it will be possible to combine the two previous embodiments and to take into account both the temperature of the tool and the percentage of battery charge to evaluate the capacity of the tool to carry out at least one new operation until its completion.

[0135] This list of parameters is not exhaustive and one or more other parameters could be taken into consideration alone or in combination.

[0136] 6.2. Device

[0137] 6.2.1. General principle

[0138] In general, the invention relates to a tool allowing the performance of successive similar operations.

[0139] Such a tool can be, for example, a screwdriver, a drill or a riveter.

[0140] With reference to figure 4, a tool 40 according to the invention comprises at least: - means 400 for measuring in real time at least one operating parameter of the tool during the performance of at least one previous operation;

[0141] - means 401 for determining, at the end of a previous operation, a threshold for evaluating the capacity of the tool to carry out at least one subsequent operation to completion, the threshold being determined as a function of the at least one operating parameter of the tool measured in the previous step 11;

[0142] - means 402 for comparing the threshold with a tool operating limit data;

[0143] - means 403 for transmitting an alert message and / or inhibiting the tool when the threshold is incompatible with the tool's operating limit data.

[0144] The operating parameter taken into consideration can be the operating temperature of the tool or the battery charge level when the tool is powered by a battery. These two cases will now be described individually. However, they can be implemented in combination.

[0145] 6.2.2. Taking into account the operating temperature

[0146] In relation to Figure 5, an example of a device according to the invention is presented in which the operating parameter taken into consideration is the temperature of the tool.

[0147] Such a device 40 comprises means 404 for triggering an operation, such as for example a trigger actuable by an operator.

[0148] The device comprises means for measuring in real time an operating parameter of the tool which are in this embodiment means 4001 for determining the temperature of the tool. This may for example be the temperature of a motor of the tool, a battery of the tool or means for controlling / commanding the tool such as a controller 50. These means may comprise one or more thermometers. They may be configured to be implemented in real time continuously including when the tool is stopped between two successive operations or when the tool is not stopped to reduce its consumption.

[0149] The device further comprises means 400'1 for recording the temperature of the tool. These means are configured to record the temperature of the tool:

[0150] - at the start of the performance of an operation triggered by the actuation of the interlocking means, and

[0151] - at the end of this operation.

[0152] The device comprises means 405 for determining the rise in the temperature of the tool during the performance of the previous operation which has just been completed. These means are capable of subtracting from the temperature of the tool recorded at the end of the operation the temperature of the tool recorded at the start of the operation.

[0153] The device may optionally comprise means 406 for setting a predetermined number of operations to be performed during a sequence. In this case, the device comprises means 407 for verifying the completion of the sequence capable of verifying whether the predetermined number n of operations in the sequence has been reached. The device comprises means 403 for issuing an alert and / or inhibiting the tool if it is detected that the number n of operations in the sequence has been reached.

[0154] The tool temperature measuring means 4001 are configured, otherwise, to record the current tool temperature again. They can be configured so that this measurement and recording are made continuously in real time, including when the tool is stopped between two successive operations or immediately after the activation means are actuated to start a new operation.

[0155] The device comprises means for determining a threshold which are means 4011 for determining the sum of the temperature rise and the current temperature of the tool newly recorded in real time. This sum is recorded as corresponding to the threshold for evaluating the ability of the tool to complete at least one subsequent operation. These means can be configured so that this sum is determined and recorded in real time continuously including when the tool is stopped between two successive operations or so that these actions are carried out immediately after the activation means are actuated to start a new operation.

[0156] The device comprises comparison means which are means for comparing 4021 the threshold with a maximum admissible temperature of the tool constituting a limit data item for the operation of the tool. This maximum temperature is configurable and recordable in the control / command means of the tool. These means can be configured to be implemented in real time continuously including when the tool is stopped between two successive operations or immediately after the activation means are actuated to start a new operation.

[0157] The device comprises means 403 for transmitting an alert message and / or inhibiting the tool, when the threshold, i.e. the sum of the temperature rise of the tool during the performance of the last operation and the current temperature of the tool, is higher than the maximum admissible temperature of the tool. The alert message can indicate to the operator that he must let his tool cool down before starting to perform a new operation. Inhibiting the tool blocks the operation of the tool, thus depriving the operator of the possibility of using the tool to perform a new operation. This inhibition will be maintained until the tool has recovered a temperature allowing it to perform at least one new operation.

[0158] When the threshold, i.e. the sum of the temperature rise of the tool during the performance of the last operation and the current temperature of the tool, is lower than the maximum permissible temperature of the tool, the tool is able to perform a new operation until its completion. An operator can then trigger a new operation by activating the triggering means.

[0159] These emission and / or inhibition means can be configured to be implemented in real time continuously, including when the tool is stopped between two successive operations or immediately after the activation means are activated to launch a new operation.

[0160] The means for determining the temperature rise may be capable, rather than determining this rise following a single operation, of determining it following several successive operations. In this case, the means for determining the temperature rise will determine the average per operation of the temperature rise measured during the performance of several operations.

[0161] In a variant, the means for determining the temperature rise may be capable of determining the temperature rise of the tool during the performance of a number x of operations in order to evaluate the capacity of the tool to subsequently perform until their completion a number x of new operations.

[0162] All of the means are controlled by the tool's control / command means such as a controller 50 which may be wholly or partly external or internal to the tool. This controller includes in particular all of the memories and processors necessary to control the tool and implement a method according to the invention.

[0163] 6.2.3. Taking into account the battery charge level

[0164] In relation to Figure 6, an example of a device according to the invention is presented in which the operating parameter taken into consideration is the percentage, or level, of charge of the battery of the tool when the latter is powered by a battery.

[0165] Such a device 40 comprises means 404 for triggering an operation, such as for example a trigger actuable by an operator.

[0166] The device comprises means for measuring in real time an operating parameter of the tool which are here means 4002 for determining the percentage of charge of the battery of the tool. Parameters representative of the % of charge of the battery can for example be the voltage at the terminals of the battery or else result, knowing the starting energy Ed of the battery, from the determination at each operation of the battery energy consumed Ec and from the calculation of the subtraction of this value Ec from the starting energy Ed. These means can be configured to be implemented in real time continuously including when the tool is stopped between two successive operations or when the tool is not stopped to reduce its consumption.

[0167] The device comprises means 400'2 for recording the percentage of charge of the battery of the tool capable of recording the percentage of charge of the battery:

[0168] - after the triggering of an operation, and

[0169] - at the end of the operation.

[0170] The device comprises means 4012 for determining the percentage of charge of the tool battery consumed during the performance of the previous operation which has just been completed. These means are capable of subtracting from the percentage of charge recorded at the start of the operation the percentage of charge of the battery remaining at the end of the operation. The device may optionally comprise means 406 for setting a predetermined number of operations to be performed during a sequence. In this case, the device comprises means 407 for verifying the completion of the sequence capable of verifying whether the predetermined number n of operations in the sequence has been reached.

[0171] In this case, the device comprises means 403 for issuing an alert and / or inhibiting the tool if it is detected that the number n of operations in the sequence has been reached.

[0172] The device comprises means 408 for recording the percentage of remaining battery charge. They can be configured to be implemented in real time continuously, including during the stopping of the tool between two operations or immediately after the triggering of a new operation.

[0173] The device comprises means 409 for subtracting, from the remaining battery charge percentage, the battery charge percentage consumed during the previous operation. The threshold for evaluating the tool's ability to complete at least one subsequent operation is equal to the result of said subtraction. These means can be configured to be implemented in real time continuously, including during the tool's shutdown between two operations or immediately after the triggering of a new operation.

[0174] The device comprises means 4022 for comparing the threshold with a predetermined minimum percentage of battery charge that must remain at the end of the subsequent operation, constituting the operating limit data of the tool. This threshold can be configured in the control / command means of the tool. These means can be configured to be implemented in real time continuously, including during the stopping of the tool between two operations or immediately after the triggering of a new operation.

[0175] The device comprises means 403 for transmitting an alert message and / or inhibiting the tool when the threshold is lower than the minimum charge percentage that must remain at the end of the subsequent operation. The alert message may indicate to the operator that he must recharge the battery of his tool before starting to carry out a new operation. Inhibiting the tool blocks the operation of the tool, thus depriving the operator of the possibility of using the tool to carry out a new operation. This inhibition will be maintained until the tool has recovered a sufficient battery charge level.

[0176] When the threshold is higher than the minimum charge percentage that must remain at the end of the subsequent operation, the tool is able to carry out a new operation until its completion. Then a new operation can be triggered by actuating the trigger means.

[0177] These emission and / or inhibition means can be configured to be implemented in real time continuously including during the stopping of the tool between two operations or immediately after the triggering of a new operation. The means for determining the percentage of battery charge consumed can be capable of determining this percentage following the performance of several successive operations rather than following a single operation. In this case, the means for determining the percentage of battery charge consumed will be capable of calculating the average per operation of the percentage of battery charge consumed measured during the performance of several operations.

[0178] In a variant, the means for determining the percentage of battery charge consumed may be capable of determining the percentage of battery charge consumed during the performance of a number x of operations in order to evaluate the capacity of the tool to subsequently perform until their completion a number x of new operations.

[0179] All of the means are controlled by the tool's control / command means such as a controller 50 which may be wholly or partly external or internal to the tool. This controller includes in particular all of the memories and processors necessary to control the tool and implement a method according to the invention.

[0180] 6.2.4. Combined consideration of several operating parameters

[0181] In a variant, it will be possible to combine the two previous embodiments so that the tool will be able to take into account both the temperature of the tool and the percentage of charge of the battery to evaluate the capacity of the tool to carry out at least one new operation until its completion.

[0182] 6.2.4. Variants

[0183] The tool can be electric, corded or battery-powered, or pneumatic.

[0184] 6.2.5. Comparison of prior art / invention

[0185] Figure 7 illustrates the sequence according to the prior art of four operations and the monitoring of the evolution over time of the temperature of the tool, the temperature of the battery and the charge of the battery.

[0186] It is observed that during the fourth operation, the maximum permissible battery temperature threshold is reached, so that the fourth operation is terminated before it is completed in its entirety.

[0187] Figure 8 illustrates the sequence by implementing the invention of three operations and monitoring the evolution over time of the temperature of the tool, the temperature of the battery and the charge of the battery.

[0188] It is observed that during the execution of the first three operations, the parameters taken into consideration satisfy the thresholds so that the first three operations are carried out to completion without interruption. At the end of the third operation, the system anticipates the fact that the implementation of the fourth operation would lead to the battery temperature exceeding, during the execution of the fourth operation, its limit threshold. Thus, an alert message is issued and / or the screwdriving device is inhibited so that the fourth operation is not carried out until the tool is able to carry it out without interruption to completion.

Claims

CLAIMS 1. Method for carrying out, by means of a tool, similar operations, said operations belonging to the group comprising screwing, drilling, riveting, said method comprising at least: - a step of real-time measurement of at least one operating parameter of said tool during the performance of at least one previous operation; - a step of determining a threshold for evaluating the capacity of said tool to complete at least one subsequent operation, said threshold being determined as a function of said at least one operating parameter of said tool measured in the previous step, said step of determining said threshold being implemented at the end of said previous operation; - a step of comparing, with said threshold, a limit data item for the operation of said tool; - a step of transmitting an alert message and / or inhibiting said tool, at the end of said comparison step, when said threshold is incompatible with said operating limit data of said tool.

2. Method according to claim 1 wherein said operating parameter is the operating temperature of said tool.

3. Method according to claim 2 wherein said method comprises: - a step of determining the rise in the temperature of said tool during the performance of said at least one prior operation; - a step of determining in real time the current temperature of said tool; - a step of determining the sum of said temperature rise and said temperature measured in real time, said threshold state equal to said sum; - a step of comparing said threshold with a maximum admissible temperature of said tool constituting said operating limit data of said tool; - a step of transmitting an alert message and / or inhibiting said tool, at the end of said comparison step, when said threshold is higher than the maximum admissible temperature of said tool.

4. A method according to claim 2 or 3 wherein said operating temperature of said tool is the temperature of a motor of said tool, a battery of said tool or control means of said tool.

5. The method of claim 1 wherein said operating parameter is the percentage of charge remaining in a battery powering said tool.

6. The method of claim 5 wherein said method comprises: - a step of determining the percentage of charge of said battery consumed during the performance of said at least one previous operation; - a step of determining in real time the percentage of charge remaining in said battery; - a step of subtracting, from said percentage of remaining battery charge, said percentage of battery charge consumed during said previous operation, said threshold being equal to the result of said subtraction; - a step of comparing said threshold with a predetermined minimum percentage of battery charge which must remain at the end of said subsequent operation, constituting said operating limit data of said tool; - a step of transmitting an alert message and / or inhibiting said tool, at the end of said comparison, when said threshold is lower than said operating limit data of said tool.

7. Computer program product containing lines of code instructions for carrying out a method according to any one of claims 1 to 6 when executed.

8. Tool belonging to the group comprising screwdrivers, drills and riveters, allowing similar operations to be carried out, said tool comprising at least: - means for measuring in real time at least one operating parameter of said tool during the performance of at least one previous operation; - means for determining a threshold for evaluating the capacity of said tool to complete at least one subsequent operation, said threshold being determined as a function of said at least one operating parameter of said tool, said determination of said threshold being implemented at the end of said previous operation; - means of comparing, with said threshold, a limit data item for the operation of said tool; - means for transmitting an alert message and / or inhibiting said tool, at the end of said comparison step, when said threshold is higher or lower than said operating limit data of said tool.

9. Tool according to claim 8 wherein said operating parameter is the operating temperature of said tool.

10. Tool according to claim 9 comprising: - means for determining the rise in temperature of said tool during the performance of said at least one prior operation; - means for determining in real time the current temperature of said tool; - means for determining the sum of said temperature rise and said current temperature measured in real time, said threshold state equal to said sum; - means for comparing said threshold with a maximum admissible temperature of said tool constituting said operating limit data of said tool; - means for transmitting an alert message and / or inhibiting said tool when said threshold is higher than the maximum admissible temperature of said tool.

11. A tool according to claim 9 or 10 wherein said operating temperature of said tool is the temperature of a motor of said tool, a battery of said tool or control means of said tool.

12. A tool according to claim 8 wherein said operating parameter is the percentage of charge remaining in a battery powering said tool.

13. Tool according to claim 12 comprising: - means for determining the percentage of charge of said battery consumed during the performance of said at least one previous operation; - means for determining in real time the percentage of charge remaining in said battery; - means of subtracting, from said percentage of remaining battery charge, said percentage of battery charge consumed during said previous operation, said threshold being equal to the result of said subtraction; - means for comparing said threshold with a predetermined minimum percentage of battery charge which must remain at the end of said subsequent operation, constituting said operating limit data of said tool; - means for transmitting an alert message and / or inhibiting said tool, at the end of said comparison, when said threshold is lower than said operating limit data of said tool.

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